Four concrete sails rise creating a unique silhouette. This is the \u00c9glise Notre-Dame-de-Pompei. It stands as a testament to Montreal’s Italian community and architectural innovation.
The \u00c9glise Notre-Dame-de-Pompei was built in 1966 and 1967. It was built for the growing Italian Catholic community in Montreal. The parish was established in October 1961. Initially, a parish center served as a temporary church. But the community grew quickly. A permanent place of worship was needed.
Fred A. Dawson and F\u00e9lix M. Kraus were chosen for the project in 1964. Dawson was the architect. Kraus was the structural engineer. Construction began in 1966. It finished the following year.
The church’s design is striking. Four hyperbolic paraboloid sails form the roof. These are also called “saddle” shapes. This thin-shell concrete structure is rare for religious buildings in Quebec. Dawson drew inspiration from two places. He looked at Los Manantiales restaurant designed by F\u00e9lix Candela. He also considered the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport by Eero Saarinen.
Inside \u00c9glise Notre-Dame-de-Pompei, the structure dictates the decor. Four large stained-glass windows serve as walls. They sit beneath the roof’s sails. The Stations of the Cross are by Bruno Valseria and Alfred Monros. Unusually, an acoustician was hired for this church. Leslie Doelle, a Hungarian architect-acoustician worked on the project.
In 2000, the church was renovated. Marble flooring replaced the choir’s carpet. Two chapels were added. The Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Qu\u00e9bec recognizes its high heritage value.
Masses are often held in Italian and Spanish. This reflects the community it serves. The \u00c9glise Notre-Dame-de-Pompei continues to be a vital part of Montreal’s religious landscape. It is more than just a church. It is a cultural landmark. It is a place where faith meets architectural innovation. It embodies the spirit of its community. It provides a space for worship and gathering.